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David Milch inks deal with HBO to adapt William Faulkner stories

November 30, 2011 | 10:40
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David Milch and HBO -- a Hollywood union with longevity -- have renewed their commitment, with Milch signing a multiyear deal with the pay cable channel that would include culling the works of William Faulkner.

Milch’s Redboard Productions will produce TV series and original movies based on books by the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner under an agreement made with the iconic American writer's literary estate. The deal comprises all of the 19 novels and 125 short stories in the estate, as well as other works (with the exception of those currently under contract with other parties).

Milch, who co-created the long-running cop drama “NYPD Blue,” has a steady relationship with HBO, serving as creator or co-creator to three series: “Deadwood,” “John from Cincinnati,” and the upcoming horse racing drama “Luck.”

The new agreement gives HBO an exclusive first opportunity to finance, produce and distribute the projects as movies, miniseries and series.

"I’m delighted to expand my longstanding relationship with HBO to encompass the adaptation of some of the most important literary works by any American writer into television films and series,” Milch said in a statement. “As we embark on this ambitious project, our first commitment is to serve the material, and we look forward to identifying and collaborating with the best screenwriters and filmmakers to help each of the pieces find its ideal form onscreen.”

The pact will also cover any further services on "Luck" (Milch serves as an executive producer). The Dustin Hoffman-starring drama debuts in January.